All Blog Posts Tagged 'books' (973)

One question I’ve been getting lately is “Why did you choose the genre you write?” For those who don’t know, my focus is contemporary mystery/thrillers and crime fiction, with some romance thrown in. I chose this genre because it’s what I like to read. I originally became a fan of pulp fiction mysteries from watching old film noirs on TV. I’d see something like “Double Indemnity,” “The Maltese Falcon” or “The Big Sleep,” then seek out the book at the library. If I liked it, I’d make my way…

Do you have a time machine that can take you back to when things may have been simpler, or when you were happier? Maybe a vacation with someone special, or enjoying a once-in-a-lifetime experience? The answer is yes, we all possess such a device. It’s called memory, and do you know what can magically kickstart that machine? Music! It has the power to bring back things we filed away in our mental scrapbooks.  

We just survived another Christmas season, and nowhere was this…

Perhaps I’ve been doing this too long, but I recall when people spoke to each other using complete words and sentences, either verbally or written. Remember that? Now, it’s all done in a digital shorthand called acronyms. Once upon a time, we also composed notes and letters using cursive writing. Do they still teach that in school?

An acronym is a pronounceable word formed mostly (but not always) from the initial letters of a descriptive name or title. Its origin is from the…

“The things you regret are the risks you don’t take.”

I wish I could claim credit for that bit of wisdom but the truth is, I heard it in the movie “Grumpy Old Men.” It was spoken by Ann-Margaret to Jack Lemmon about relationships, and not being afraid to offer your heart to someone. It seemed like good advice but I think it applies to other things in life, too.

As writers, we’re obligated to take chances and push boundaries. Some of us pushed our…

Over the summer, I attended my (GASP!) 50^th high school reunion. I’ve adjusted to the shock of how many years have passed since graduation, and it was fun trying to identify old classmates that I hadn’t seen in years. After we got past the great lie that starts with “Gee, you look good!” some of us talked about what used to be. The passage of time might make you remember things as being simpler then, and perhaps they were because we didn’t have grown-up responsibilities, but I…

People tend to get attached to certain films, books, TV shows and music to the point of obsession. We find something we like and just can’t get enough of it. Facebook groups, fan conventions and online clubs sprout up over just about anything. For proof, look at things like “Game of Thrones,” “Star Trek,” the Marvel superhero films and the James Bond flicks, to name a few. Many of these fall into the category of cult classics.

A cult classic is defined as something…

A weekend getaway at a secluded cabin turns deadly when former classmates Amanda, Holly, Gayle, Wendy, Cherie, Sue and Leah find themselves fighting for survival against an uninvited guest and the forces of nature. Friendships are put to the test as dark secrets bubble to the surface, and things take a shocking turn that will force the women to pull together in a surprising way.

Walnut Lake is now on sale for $0.99 per Kindle download until July 31, 2023 …

I read a post on a reviewer’s website that made me rethink online courtesy. This woman went on a rant about authors who aren’t considerate enough to say “thank you” when she reviews their books, often at their request. She held the opinion that after she spent “hours reading and reviewing” a book, the least the author could do was “take a few minutes” to send a follow-up e-mail, especially if it was a good write-up.

Wow – I thought we were all on the same page! I used…

It’s summertime, and the living is easy, according to the old song. Among the many warm weather activities many of us will indulge in, movies still make the list. There have been a lot of films that use this time of year as a backdrop, and many of them rely on standby tropes like summer camp or vacations. Romance usually plays a big part, too, along with funny situations. Here are a few good ones, in no special order. How many of these have you seen?

“The…

The dark and stirring novels that imply the darkest side of society, the evil plan of government, and the oppressed people as victims of war and greed were perfectly shown in Carl Berryman’s novel. "2023", "2025", and "Divided We Fall" are the best dystopian novels. It shows all the dark sides of the people sitting at the top of the food chain. These novels embody a perfect example of a situation in case a war breaks out. The broad, well-written, and mind-blowing injustices were…

Let's go to the movies! Ever wonder if some of your classic Hollywood favorites would fit into the new tech age of film making? Today, award winning, best selling author Tim Smith gives us some surprising and amusing answers to that question:

I enjoy watching old mystery/thriller movies and crime shows. There are some clever plot twists and devices used in those classics by Alfred Hitchcock and his peers, or old episodes of “Law & Order,” “Mission: Impossible,” and…

This month, award-winning, best-selling author Tim Smith addresses the bane of every author's existence, writer's block. What  to do? How to overcome it. Is there even a cure? Let's read on and see.

I developed my initial interest in creative writing when I was in high school. The English department didn’t have a formal textbook for the course, because it was being offered for the first time. We had to buy a paperback from the bookstore to use as a guide, and I…

This month award-winning, best-selling author Tim Smith offers a timely perspective on how much we can believe when it comes to various medial outlets. His examples are very thought provoking with a dash of humor.  Enjoy!

“Get your facts first, then you can distort them as much as you please.” – Mark Twain

I’m not sure how closely Mark Twain followed his own advice, but that quote can apply just as well to news writing as it does to fiction in this…

Today, award winning, best selling author, Tim Smith takes us on a trip down memory lane to 1972.  Tim has given us a kaleidoscope look at a year that included many ground-breaking events. So, sit back and enjoy the ride. 

1972 was a noteworthy year, not only for the Watergate scandal and the impending end of the Viet Nam war, but for many things that are still part of our lives 50 years later. Numerous puzzle pieces came together to form an interesting…

Title: A CHRISTMAS KINDNESS

Author: Cheryl C. Malandrinos

Publisher: 4RV Publishing

Pages: 52

Genre: First Chapter Reader

BOOK BLURB:

Eight-year-old Robert is eager to share his wish list with Santa…

Practice self-love, embrace mindfulness, and build a positive daily ritual with inspiring prompts, meditations, and reflections just for Black women.

You’re aware of the way you talk to others, but how do you talk to yourself? Is your self-talk in need of a kindness boost? Improve your self-esteem and love the woman that you are with these powerful affirmations. A celebration of Black female identity, this book contains a huge dose of confidence in a small,…

Synopsis:

No one likes complaints, especially from customers. What if we look at these complaints differently though, by seeing them as opportunities instead of problems?…

In honor of Valentine's Day, my guest blogger, award-winning, best-selling author, Tim Smith, sets the mood with a very special post.

Ah, February, the month devoted to all things involving amour. Valentine’s Day is almost upon us, so I’m passing out my greetings early. Let’s start with an informal survey. Do any of you still send or give cards, flowers, or candy to someone special on Valentine’s Day? Does anyone remember making Valentine cards as a…